All About Lullabell: Cheap Chic

Although this site veers a little too much into Grandmaville, it's a good source for budget-friendly vintage accents, like clocks and weathered signs. Too many cabbage roses, cherubs and swirls for the city, but I could see myself getting a small thing or two from here.

Studying this photo, I like the tonal palette and how that all comes together to create a soft space. But to New York-ify it, I would keep the chair and maybe the candles beside the mirror. Everything else would be more modern or at least, less ornate. That contrast keeps it from looking too "done" in my opinion, which has more interest and personality.

Hudson, New York's Warren Street

I visited family in Hudson, a sweet upstate New York town set in the Catskills, and discovered an endless strip of beautiful shops selling both antiques and imported furniture. Here are a few of my snapshots (taken with cell phone).

Must go back to this garden antique store in the Spring.
The stone fountains and pots are great.


LOVE the idea of a chandelier over the bathtub. My sister suggested a chandelier-inspired wall sconce for more city-apartment proportions. The ornate silver mirror is cool, too.




This could be cool somewhere in the apartment.

Love this blog: Tongue In Cheek

Corey Amaro has serious taste. I just found her blog and I love it. She's an American living in France with her French husband. Corey takes awesome photos of Paris flea markets, Provence interiors and other cool findings. I'd love to bring her along to haggle with antique dealers when they open their booths at sunrise ("bring a flashlight," she advises). And clearly, she's embraced her inner French girl and learned a few decor tricks. And she brings her own can-do American spirit to it by reupholstering with tablecloths, napkins and curtains. What do I love about these images? Maybe if I analyze, it will help. The detailed silver etchings. The low crystal chandelier. The stately oil paintings propped on a weathered wooden table. The lush upholstered armchair. Shiny (paint, crystals, silk fabric, windowpanes) juxtaposed against shabby (wood frames, unvarnished floors and furniture legs). (Photo by Corey Amaro)



Old silver -- I want to find some pretty serving pieces for my new home. (Photo by Corey Amaro)


This is Corey's home. She upholstered the chair with a tablecloth. (Photo by Corey Amaro)


I like the idea of an outdoor clock. Maybe in the backyard? The old bike is a cool sculptural element. (Photo by Corey Amaro)


Paris bistro breakfast accessories: Low, thick juice glasses. Solid plates with a pretty striped rim.
Long, European-style sugar packets in a cute glass or ceramic bowl. (Photo by Corey Amaro)


Love the crystal in front of the white mirror. (Photo by Corey Amaro)


Cool bedding -- though may be too girlie for the husband. (Photo by Corey Amaro)


This could be cool in the backyard...though I'm not sure I
could pull it off. May be one of those "French things." (Photo by Corey Amaro)

Mommy, I'm scared...

I begin this blog as my sister prepares her move to Seattle, leaving me her perfectly Paris-girl-ified apartment in New York City's East Village. A dream come true? Yes. But. She's taking her furniture.

I've been losing sleep wondering how I'm going to find my own version of her crystal mini-chandeliers, antique wooden dresser, and weathered turquoise shutters. So I decided I'd compile my treasure-hunting and research here...a therapeutic chronicle of my journey to bring my own bit of Paris to the city, too.